On Aug. 3, in the 2023 LCK Summer Split, Gen.G defeated Hanwha Life Esports 2-0 and collected their 16th win of the season. In the race to 1st place against KT Rolster, Gen.G took a step ahead. After the match, head coach Go “Score” Dong-bin and jungler Han “Peanut” Wang-ho joined the media for an interview.
How do you feel about today’s win?
Score: We could meet Hanwha Life Esports in the playoffs, so I thought it was important that we beat them today. I’m happy that we had a clean 2-0 win.
Peanut: I’m happy that we dominated Hanwha Life Esports 2-0 since we could meet them in the playoffs. There were a few mistakes, but they weren’t crucial. I think we won because the draft went well too.
Early in game 1, you fell far behind in the Rift Herald fight. How did you plan to recover?
Peanut: Although we lost that fight, we were ahead before that point, so we were alright. When the second dragon appeared, the opponent Wukong didn’t have its 1st core item, so I thought that we would gain priority if we fight then and win, and we actually had a huge win.
How did you prepare to face Hanwha Life Esports?
Score: In important situations, all players make decisions together, but today, Peanut’s shotcalls were good and clear. As we prepared, Doran got COVID-19, so he wasn’t able to scrim as much. I put more thought into the draft because of that, and I believe the draft went well as we thought.
I thought that the opponent would ban many jungle champions, and we simulated the draft a lot in that direction. It went well today.
Which moment was the most critical in game 2?
Peanut: When I was cut off at the Wraiths, the top planned a top dive. Our top laner got traded too much than expected. If we made a few more mistakes there, it would have been critical. However, even if we lost there, I believe we would have won.
Your jungle pathing was remarkable when you faced Wukong with Maokai. How did you plan to counter-jungle?
Peanut: As Wukong got nerfed multiple times, it isn’t good against Maokai even before level 6. It’s even more nerfed now. I thought if Wukong and Maokai are at the same level with red, Maokai can trade better, and even take away a jungle camp. Also, our top laner was Rumble, so if we fight on the top side jungle, I can get support faster. That’s why I went into their blue when they started red.
You’ll be facing OK BRION in the last match. What do you want to ask the players?
Score: OK BRION showed many sharp moments during the season. It’ll be good if we keep our guards up and finish the season with a win.
Do you think the 13.14 patch is positive for Gen.G?
Score: There’s no reason the patch is bad for us. If we win the remaining games and the playoffs, it means that it suits us well, so the most important part is to win.
Peanut: It’s not much different as a jungler, so I’m satisfied. I think the patch is better for our team.
Any last comments?
Peanut: I’m happy that we beat Hanwha Life Esports, who is a strong team, 2-0. There aren’t many games left, so I’ll keep practicing to show a good performance. Please cheer for us.
GEN Score on patch 13.14: “If we win the remaining games and the playoffs, it means that it suits us well.”
